2019 Hyundai Nexo

2019 Tesla Model 3

Safety

The Nexo has a standard Limited to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Model 3 only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing safer, the Nexo’s cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

The Nexo’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

The Nexo has standard Blue Link, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Warranty

The Nexo comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Model 3’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year and 10,000 miles sooner.

Hyundai’s powertrain warranty covers the Nexo 2 years longer than Tesla covers the Model 3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Model 3 ends after only 8 years.

The Nexo’s corrosion warranty is 3 years and unlimited miles longer than the Model 3’s (7/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

There are over 13 times as many Hyundai dealers as there are Tesla dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Nexo’s warranty.

Reliability

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ December 2018 Auto Issue reports that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Tesla vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Hyundai 17 places higher in reliability than Tesla.

Fuel Economy and Range

The Nexo’s maximum driving range is 380 miles, 23% further than the Model 3 Long Range’s 310 mile range. After it exhausts its hydrogen, the Nexo can then refuel in minutes, while the Model 3 has to recharge for 8 hours and 30 minutes for only a 45% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas.

Brakes and Stopping

In an emergency stopping situation, many drivers don’t press the brakes with enough force to stop the vehicle in the shortest distance. The Nexo has a standard brake assist system to detect emergency braking situations (by how hard and how quickly the brake pedal is pressed) and then automatically apply maximum braking immediately in order to help prevent a collision. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a brake assist feature.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Nexo Limited’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Model 3 (245/45R19 vs. 235/45R18).

Suspension and Handling

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Nexo is 1.7 inches wider in the front and 1.5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Model 3.

Cargo Capacity

The Nexo has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Model 3 (29.6 vs. 15 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, just waiting momentarily behind the back bumper can open the Nexo Limited’s power liftgate, leaving your hands completely free. The Nexo’s power liftgate can also be opened or closed by pressing a button. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Ergonomics

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Nexo has a standard rear wiper. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Nexo’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Tesla charges extra for heated mirrors on the Model 3.

The Nexo’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Model 3’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Nexo Limited keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Model 3 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Nexo has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Model 3 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.